It’s finally cold here. Just as my electric blanket gives out. Perfect. But it will all be ok because I have the next two weeks off of work, so I’ll focus on the positive. I have big plans to reinvent Hammy, actually take action on the things I wanted to do this year. Isn’t it the great deal of potential that makes this the most wonderful time of the year? But first, let’s take a look at this outfit post.

I stumbled on this dark red leather jacket while (you’ll never see this coming) outlet shopping with my mom. Tip about outlet shopping: doing it in great frequency will result in some super great finds. I’ve always admired the style of rock stars, and what could be more rockin’ then a red, motorcycle jacket? I think this color is different but can remain a staple in my wardrobe for many years to come. If you are going to drop some money on quality pieces, make sure they will go a long way for a long time. Here’s a similar style. (Plus 60% off site wide until Christmas!)

I obviously wanted to make my new jacket the shining star of this outfit. So I paired it with this simple black dress. This dress is the perfect A line so it floats away from my tummy, which I really need this time of year. I feel very confident in this dress and super sexy. I’m mean, check out those gams!

My shoes are a perfect complement to my jacket as well. The color matches and it’s in a nice, soft suede so the martial doesn’t compete with the leather. I picked up these puppies at Clarks. Even though it’s a super thin heel, there is a ton of cushion and support. It’s always worth spending the extra money on shoes that will be comfortable. These shoes also feature a little studding detail that adds some edge to these ladylike heels.
This outfit makes me ready to go out on a date. Look out men of 2016! Hammy’s got high heels, miniskirts, and knows how to use them!
Thank you to Angela for taking all my photos. You can find her at http://www.photosbymariposa.com

The past week has been beautiful here in Cleveland! I think this is the first time (at least that I can remember) where fall actually lasted. Usually we get a week of in between summer and winter weather. So on to the next outfit post!

The sweater was so perfect for this weekend. First, it’s THE color of the fall. Second, it’s comfortable and lightweight. Third, I got it “buy one, get one free” at the Loft Outlet. I have quite a few sweaters like this from The Loft, but they all have little details that make them different. This one, for example, has little buttons going down the back. I think they look just darling and add a bit of style to a simple sweater. If you like shopping at the Loft and want a sweater in this color, here’s something similar. Plus it’s 50% off now!

These pants are another Loft Outlet find. They are the perfect pant, the kind you get in each color. Personally I love the way the grey looks with this merlot color. I think black pants would have taken the look down a notch.

Finally the shoes. These are from Clarks and were the first pair I bought after I stopped working there. I’m a fan for life. Let me just point out that I bought these couple years ago because I loved them and now they are the color of the season. I’m such a trend setter. But all joking aside, these shoes are very comfortable. If you plan on wearing heels all day, the chunkier the heel, the better. It lets your weight distribute more and takes some pressure off the ball of your foot. Plus, I think they look more tasteful looking. I can’t help but mention that the loafer style design on these make me feel like a grown up. Whatever helps you play the part, right? Here’s this year’s version.
Thank you to Angela for taking all my photos. You can find her at http://www.photosbymariposa.com

It’s here. Christmas is here. So I decided not to get that second job this year, which is funny because this is the most prepared I’ve ever been. Last year I forgot to buy gifts for people, can you say embarrassing? Not this year! I actually started preparing for this year on December 26th…no lie. I bought gifts that I thought were too expensive as soon as they went on sale. I cleared out a space in my closet for gifts and just kept adding and adding. I bought souvenirs when I was in Chicago and Frankenmuth and kept them for Christmas. Now all I have left to do is wrap! If you’re not as prepared as I am this year, I’ll share some ideas with you. I don’t want you to pull a 2014 Hammy mistake.

1. Loft’s Fairisle Sweater – Clothes can be hard to shop for another person, but if you’re 100% confident in your special person’s size, a sweater is a great way to go. Try to stick with colors your friend likes to wear and a sweater that is designed to fit loosely. This sweater from the Loft is perfect because it has a hint of color, a very traditional look, and is super comfy.
2. Travel Stub Diary – Most of my friends love to travel and I was trying to think of a great gift for them. This diary has pockets to store tickets, maps, or any keepsake from your friend’s travels. You friend will thank you as they travel and have a way to store little memories along the way. I have a drawer full of itineraries, boarding passes, menus, business cards, and whatever else from the places I’ve visited – how perfect would this be? At $12 you can buy enough for your friend to fill a bookshelf of memories.
3. Earrings – I feel like a girl cannot have enough earrings. I actually just bought these for myself when I was at Forever 21. I spent way too much on jewelry that day, but now I’m probably set for life. This is a great gift idea because there are so many different styles that your friend is bound to like. Plus you’re giving 20 gifts for 1, right? That’s how you should look at it, you’re welcome.
4. The Giving Plate – I saw this last year when I was working at Francesca’s, but this year’s version is much nicer. The one I bought was the same price, but it was plastic. It happens to be one of the items I bought on clearance, so I’m not mad. The one I have to give this year looks more like it’s for Thanksgiving because it’s mostly orange. I like this one here because it could be used year round and it’s ceramic, so it’s a much more substantial gift. The saying on it explains that this plate is to be used to share. It’s nice for family because they can use the same dish as you celebrate occasions at different houses. You don’t have to wash it to give it back and then bring your own plate that you leave behind. You just wash this one and use it! I think it’s a super sweet idea and probably something many families do already. Throw a saying on it and call it a gift!
5. Coloring Book – So these “adult” coloring books are all the rage this year, I don’t have to tell you that. They can be very therapeutic and fun, not to mention beautiful. I bought this one for myself because I wanted to try it out. This is super cute and I’m sure anyone would be happy to receive it as a gift.

Happy holidays everyone! I hope you enjoy shopping and preparing for Christmas as much as I do!

It’s been awhile since I’ve done an outfit post. I was waiting for some fall inspiration and now with Thanksgiving in a few day I final have it! I took some photos a couple of weeks ago, while it was still nice. There in a different location in the metro parks then my last shoot. The leaves were changing and everything looks so beautiful! Anyway, here is a fall inspired look. I love a good jean jacket, but I can never find one that fits right. The one I have on here is a size smaller then I usually get but it looks less bulky on me then my last one. I think once it breaks in from wear it will be perfect. I got it from Old Navy so, obviously, it was a good deal. Denim is always popular and it’s pretty much a staple piece for all seasons. It can really pull on outfit together but still maintain a cute, casual look.

I sometimes like to break fashion faux pas but I cannot wear a Canadian tuxedo. I love these green skinny pants. I saw them at American Eagle and almost paid full price for them. Thankfully I didn’t because I was outfit shopping a few weeks later and saw them on the clearance rack. Doesn’t make you mad to see something on sale after you just bought it. Or is this a sign I’m shopping too much? Consequences of being a fashion blogger, I guess. These pants are so comfortable and the fit is really nice. They are just skinny enough to achieve that great, defining look without being uncomfortable. I’m always attracted to this military green and the earthy tones are great for fall.
I picked up this heathered grey top from my favorite store, TJ Maxx. Honestly, you cannot have too many neutral tops. It’s nice to have a collection of simple T-shirts to throw on. This one is nice because it’s unbelievably soft and super flowy. If you feel self-conscience about a little tummy, something lose is ideal. I pretty much always want to just wear this shirt on my “Nothing looks good on me” days. The slits on the side go pretty high (I will not admit to shopping in the junior’s section) and I have to wear a shirt underneath or a jacket over it.

I finished the look off with this darling little necklace. I did a stint as a jewelry seller with Premiere Designs. I wasn’t the right gig for me, but I got some awesome jewelry out of it.

I thought since I didn’t have to work until 8 for the first time in over a week, I could squeeze out a post. That didn’t happen. Napping happened. Anywhere, here’s the post I was planning for yesterday:

With my birthday just right around the corner, I thought I’d talk about how, sometimes, I like 2005 a lot. It was not a banner year for music or fashion but I was 17, so all I have are fond memories. Two things motivated me to write this post. The first was Karen Walker’s release of her “poolside” collection sunglasses. I love big oversized sun glasses almost as much as I love my mom. Can I admit that I was in love with the bug eyed queen of these shades, Nicole Richie, in my youth? I was convinced that my first tattoo would be a replica of the one on her foot. I just adored her to the point I would bring pictures of her hair cut to my stylist and demand that she “do this” to my hair. I just want to point of that she is now the founder of the successful House of Harlow. Also married to Joel Madden, hello 2005 crush.

Second thing, my friend, Jamie, bought me tickets to see The Academy Is… for my birthday. I have not stopped listening to them since they broke up in 2010 and I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was to hear that there was a ten year anniversary tour of Almost Here. The only thing is seeing how William Beckett aged makes me feel old. But the ever elusive Mike Carden is still perfection and when I see them I will still scream like a respectable 2005 fan girl.

Other notable highlights from this year:
Matthew Good released “In A Coma” which is a collection of his music from 1995-2005. It’s almost impossible to believe my favorite songs of his came out within the most recent decade. Makes me look forward to the next ten, Matt.

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. came out at the very end of 2004 but was (dare I say) over played through 2005. While I was so disappointed that No Doubt took a break, if I knew her solo career would eventually lead to this song, I would have been more understanding. L.O.V.E. her

I just finished reading the Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children series. I was intrigued by the photos that fill this book that help tell the story. The book was originally just going to be a book of photographs, but the author was encouraged to write a narrative based on them. For the most part, the author is very clever in coming up with a story around the photographs. I liked getting to put a face with the name and referencing the pictures when I couldn’t remember the peculiar trait of each character. I have to say by the end of the last book it seemed like he just wanted to use a photo and added parts that were not necessary or, sometimes, not logical. I give the author props and it couldn’t have been that bad since, after all, I did finish all three books.

What hooked me to the story was the overall feeling it gave me. It reminds me of dreams (or even nightmares) I had as a child. It’s weird to say that it made me feel nostalgic, but it did. My dad’s always been interested in spooky photos and in fact, he has to board on Pinterest dedicated to photos similar to the ones in this book. Wait, your dad doesn’t have a Pinterest? Super lame.

This is a story based on children, so if you’re not into the young adult genre, this book is probably not for you. If you’re just not ready to publically admit it, I understand. I got you, homie. The story is super whimsical, super sweet, and worth at least reading the first book. If not just to look through the cool, vintage photographs. I know it’s late in the month, but it’s a perfect read for October too.

The story is about a young boy, who after losing his grandfather under peculiar circumstances, travels to England to learn more about him. While there, he explores an abandoned orphanage and finds a collection of photos similar to the ones his grandfather had. Turns out the orphanage is a “time loop” and takes Jacob back in time. He meets a group of peculiar children that knew his grandfather. Que the mysteries and adventures that fill the trilogy of books.

Overall, I’d strongly recommend this series to anyone. Especially if you like young adult, adventurous novels that require a lot of imagination. The books fly by thanks to many pictures and a constant need to know what happens next.

I know I’ve been really bad about blogging and I don’t have a really good excuse. But I’m going to try. I’ve been working until 8 almost every night this month and that’s 8am to 8 pm, folks. The last thing I want to do afterward (or even on the weekend) is stare at a computer screen. Also I’m in the thick of birthday season for my family and celebrating the holidays, starting with Halloween. So what has Hammy been up to? Well here’s a rundown of the last couple of weeks.

Starting with Labor Day, when my mom and I spent the day at Grove City Outlets. It was a kick off to a crazy spending spree that went strong for a couple of weeks. Hence the spending freeze you read about in the last post. Then, on a different day, my mom, my aunt, and I went to the Rocksino to celebrate my mom’s birthday complete with a stop at the buffet and a trip to Aurora Farms Outlet. So I spent time spending money and not dieting.

This month, I spent a day at Cedar Point with Jamie during Halloweekends. My dad got free tickets from work so we went up there for the day and left early since weren’t not 15 anymore. Standing in line all day really takes a toll of your back when you’re this close to 30. Not to mention is was cold by the lake and why suffer when the tickets were free anyway. The following weekend I went over Jamie’s mom’s house for a Group Muse event. Her cousin actually started the whole thing and I was happy to support it. I really enjoyed it, a lot more than I even thought I would. If you’re reading this I encourage you to at least check it out.

Earlier this week I went to see one of my favorite bands of all time, Motion City Soundtrack. It’s been years since I’ve seen them last and I’m really glad I got to see them again. I’ve been listening to them since the beginning of high school and I haven’t stopped yet. I usually only go to concerts because someone else needs someone to go with, so it was so nice to actually see a band I wanted to. It’s been a really long time since I’ve done that, too long.

Just this past Friday, I had a group of friends come over to watch scary movies. I love Halloween so much and it always flies by so quickly! One of my favorite memories as a kid was getting to stay up late and watch scary movies and eat candy. I tried my best to recreate that and I think I was pretty successful. I bought all my favorite candy, lit a bunch of candles, and put all my blankets and pillows on the floor. We ended up watching Dark Ride and Creep which resulted in more laughing than screaming but it was such a blast, so who cares? I ended up staying up well after 2am thanks to all the sugar. Yesterday, I took my dog for a two hour walk to try to reverse some of that, is that even possible?

Anyway, I hope to write more often. I’m officially less than a year away from the weddings and I’m trying a new diet program that I’ll talk about after I’ve completed a month of it. So plenty to blog about. Not to mention winter fashion!